North End keep hold of Nolan

On-loan Blackburn Rovers defender Eddie Nolan has been bought by Preston North End for a six-figure fee.

The 20-year-old has been at Deepdale since October, when the two clubs agreed a loan deal, and has done enough in his three first-team appearances for manager Alan Irvine to want him on a full-time basis.

"I am really pleased," Irvine told the club's official website. "We signed Eddie on loan and hoped that it would become a permanent deal and it has done now.

"I think will see the promise and potential that Eddie has got. He has played in the first team earlier than I anticipated and he has done himself no harm whatsoever with his performances."

Noland himself added: "I am very happy. I have loved my time here and I am looking forward to being here for at least the next three-and-a-half years."